Jersey Boy

Photo courtesy of Shawn McMillen Photography/USEF Archive

(2002 – )

Owned by SBS Farm

Inducted: 2013

The discipline of Hunters is deeply rooted in tradition. There are names that are synonymous with the sport that bring about thoughts of admiration, tradition and horsemanship. Jersey Boy is one those names "“ a horse that has become renowned in the hunter world, and a gem to his hometown of Buffalo, New York.

He's been described as the "quintessential Derby horse" and his record proves it - ranked as the Highest Grossing Horse for Lifetime Earnings with an astounding $196,640 in earnings in 2012, recognized as the winner of the George H. Morris Perpetual Trophy for three consecutive years and honored as the 2011 National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse of the Year, as decided by the most prestigious professionals of the equestrian sport.

For the four years that the USHJA International Hunter Derby had been in existence Jersey Boy has ruled it. He had racked up an illustrious list of wins and honors, but he came into 2012 still striving for one major title: USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals winner.

The field at the 2012 finals was the best it's ever been and, with longtime rider Jennifer Alfano, Jersey Boy was sitting in third place after the Classic Hunter round. So, with ground to make up, in front of a packed house at Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, Jersey Boy had to be at his best during the Handy Hunter round. He was. On the strength of that superb round Jersey Boy ended up with a 588.25 score, clinched the USHJA International Hunter Derby win, and put an exclamation point on his bid for the 2012 United States Equestrian Federation National Horse of the Year honors.

After winning the battle of the best in Kentucky and surpassing the crÃ¨me de la crÃ¨me of the hunter world, Jersey Boy strengthened his case with major wins that included the $10,000 International Hunter Derby at the State College Classic, the $15,000 International Hunter Derby at Skidmore College Saratoga Classic, and he achieved his 21st International Hunter Derby victory with his win at the $50,000 Chicago International Hunter Derby.

You could almost hear "Jersey Boy dominates!"resonate as his fan base grew. His accomplishments in the hunter ring have been unparalleled. In a fitting and spectacular end to an equally spectacular year, Jersey Boy was officially honored as the United States Equestrian Federation National Horse of the Year in 2012.

"I'm thrilled for Jersey Boy," noted Alfano "It's very exciting, and he deserves the recognition. He's an awesome horse and he had an amazing year."

The EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation would like to expressits appreciation to Blackburn Architects, P.C. for use of its rendition of the stables atSagamore Farm.